Taking charge of your oral health is the need of the hour, especially if you have dental problems like periodontitis (gum disease).
Even though many people do not realize that they are suffering from gum disease, there are some warning signs to be aware of.
Here are six warning signs that suggest you might be suffering from gum disease.
1. Gum Swelling and Redness. Are your gums swollen or red? Is there any pain or tenderness in your gums? While these symptoms are not always associated with gum disease, they are a definite marker of unhealthy gum tissue.
As with all diseases, gum diseases also trigger your immune system to release antibodies into the gums, causing them to attack the causative bacteria.
The subsequent battle causes swelling and redness which does not diminish with time. Thus, make sure you have these gum problems treated as soon as possible.
2. Bleeding Gums. Do your gums bleed while brushing or flossing? It is not normal for the healthy gum tissue, which is extremely resilient, to bleed.
Bleeding might happen because of not brushing your teeth properly and leaving behind deposits causing gum irritation.
This build-up of bacteria can swell up your gums and may lead to bleeding. In rare instances, bleeding could be a sign of excessive brushing, but more often it is a sign that the tissues have been weakened to the degree that they bleed often.
Bleeding gum is the first sign of periodontitis and fortunately, this early stage of gum disease is easily treated. Hence, do not avoid it for a long time and consult your dentist.
3. Receding Gums. Do your teeth appear to be longer than normal? Do you feel a tingle of pain after eating or drinking something cold or hot? This could be a sign of gum recession.
Gum recession exposes the tooth's root, which is more sensitive to pressure and temperature changes within the mouth.
Gum recession leads to pocket or gap formation between your teeth and gum line, allowing disease-causing germs to accumulate. The supporting tissue and bone structure of the teeth can be severely damaged and may result in tooth loss if gum recession is left untreated.
4. Pus Between Gums and Teeth. When the gum tissues that are weakening detach from the teeth, the small gap between your teeth expands into a void that is known as the periodontal pocket.
It is often the cause of an abscess in which pus accumulates inside the pocket and causes the area to look red and swollen than the surrounding tissues.
Abscesses require immediate attention since bone loss is significantly accelerated in comparison to gum disease.
5. Loose or Moving Teeth. When your gum tissue is damaged, it leads to loss of gums and surrounding bone. The affected teeth start to loosen and new spaces develop between your teeth.
You may notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. This is an early and alarming sign of gum disease and if you do not take action immediately, there is a risk of losing your tooth.
6. Bad Breath. Another sign of gum disease is bad breath, which is also known as halitosis. It occurs due to the odour-causing bacteria in your mouth which multiply and reproduce in unhealthy gums.
If you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, consult your doctor to know the cause of it.
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist to prevent the condition from worsening.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.